Effects of Hip Strength Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Functional Ankle Instability

Study on the Effect of Hip Strength Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on the Intervention of Functional Ankle Instability of Sport

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effects of two methods of elevating hip muscle strength on functional ankle instability(FAI). . The main question[s] it aims to answer are:

• Whether hip strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the gluteal muscles, respectively, based on conventional ankle training improves dysfunction in patients with FAI?
• Is there a difference in the efficacy of the above two interventions for FAI?

Participants will be randomly divided into 3 groups (Experimental Group A, Experimental Group B and Control Group) to receive the intervention for 6 weeks. The Control Group will undergo conventional ankle interventions such as peri-ankle muscle strength training and ankle balance training; Experimental Group A will undergo hip muscle strength training based on the conventional training; and Experimental Group B will perform neuromuscular electrical stimulation of hip abductors and hip extensors based on the conventional training. Researchers will compare the three groups to see changes in hip muscle strength, lower extremity muscle activation, ankle muscle strength, proprioception, dynamic and static balance, and self-reported ankle function.

Inclusion Criteria:

• History of at least one acute ankle sprain one year ago, accompanied by symptoms such as pain, swelling, and inability to participate in daily activities for more than one day.
• Unilateral ankle sprains and or instability felt at least twice during the past year.
• Last ankle sprain occurred greater than or equal to 1 month from the start of the experiment.
• Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) score less than or equal to 27 points,
• The results of Medial Talar Tilt Test and Anterior Draw Test are negative.
• Body Mass Index （BMI）ranges from 18 to 25.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of lower extremity surgery or fracture.
• History of brain injury or neurological disorders.
• Acute injury to musculoskeletal structures of other joints of the lower extremities within 1 month, affecting joint integrity and function.
• Participated in lower extremity rehabilitation or systematic athletic training after injury.